Balos Beach

Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, Balos is visited by thousands of people, who arrive mostly by the ferries running from Kissamos port. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever.

The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nest in the caves of the area. Moreover, the area is a shelter for the protected monk seal and the sea turtle caretta caretta. Despite the protection, a café and umbrellas have appeared on the beach in recent years. You can buy water from there and from the bars of the ferries.

Access

Balos beach is located 75km far for Vlamis Villas, a little more than one hour and a half drive. You can easily drive until Kaliviani village, where the asphalt road changes to dirt road. You still can remain on the dirt road in your rental car – no 4×4 needed- but you have to drive really slow and carefully. After a while this road ends and you have to park your car at nearly the top of a hill. Then there is a dirt and gravel path that leads down to the beach. In a normal pace, 20minutes are enough to reach the beach.

The second way to reach Balos Lagoon is by ferry. There are ferry boats departing from Kissamos, (before the asphalt road turns into dirt road) and they take you around the peninsula, to Balos beach. You can easily book a ticket online and find out more about the companies offering the cruise. This way has the advantage that you skip the hard parts, but has the disadvantage of missing the spectacular view of Balos, as you walk down the hill. Furthermore, the ticket is not very cheap.

Useful tips

-If you do not like crowds, a perfect idea is to arrive at Balos early in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. As time passes in the day it gets really busy!

-Since the path down to the beach is not very steep, we recommend the first way to access Balos. Despite that fact you are higly advised to wear your sport or hike shoes. You will never forget the spectacular view of the beach as you walk down. Don’t forget your camera!

-A nice place to complete your day, is Kaliviani village for eating. The local taverns there offer delicious traditional recipies.